North Vancouver

Attractions

Nestled beneath the spectacular North Shore mountains, the popular Capilano Suspension Bridge attraction caters to cultural tourists and thrill-seekers.

Just up the road is the scenic Cleveland Dam, located in Capilano River Regional Park, and the multi-faceted Grouse Mountain. Take the scenic Skyride gondola to the top of Grouse and enjoy a wide variety of activities with an unparalleled view of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Since 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (3735 Capilano Rd) has attracted visitors with its 137m/450ft span, which sways 70m/230ft above the frothing Capilano River like a scene out of Indiana Jones. The bridge was originally built by Scottish-born George Grant MacKay, who would later become a Vancouver City Parks commissioner.

Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk

After admiring the view from Capilano Suspension Bridge, check out the surrounding attractions: totem poles, trout ponds, exhibits on the park's history and wildlife, and scrumptious fudge and Aboriginal art at the Trading Post gift shop. A must-do is the Treetops Adventure, where visitors follow smaller suspension bridges between enormous Douglas fir trees and gape at the forest floor below. Take a heart-stopping journey on Cliffwalk – view the Capilano River from 91m/300ft on a narrow walkway fixed to the canyon cliff side. Read educational signage along the way or dare to cross glass-bottomed decks with death-defying views.

Capilano River Regional Park

If time permits, stop off at the 1954-built Cleveland Dam (situated between Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, off Capilano Road) for a view of water flowing over a spillway with Capilano Lake and the North Shore mountains in the background. The dam helps contain Vancouver’s main drinking water supply in the 19,830ha/49,000ac Capilano Watershed. From there, hike the nearby trails and visit the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.

Grouse Mountain

From the parking lot of Grouse Mountain, stroll to the grey wolf habitat at the base of the mountain and see if any of the inhabitants look familiar. All are retirees from the movie industry. After a scenic ascent on the Skyride gondola – or a gruelling hike up the appropriately named Grouse Grind – check out resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola frolicking in their mountaintop enclosure.

Next, take in a live lumberjack show or a birds of prey demonstration, or ride a chairlift to the summit to access the world’s only glass viewPOD located atop a giant elevator-accessible wind turbine, the Eye of the Wind.

For the more adventurous, Grouse is also home to a dual-line zipline circuit through old-growth forest. And for those in search of a real adrenaline rush, try a helicopter tour or a paragliding experience. Summer on Grouse Mountain means a huge range of activities to choose among.

Grouse in Winter

In the colder months, Grouse Mountain is transformed into a true winter wonderland complete with skiing and snowboarding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing and ice skating. In December, Santa sets up shop, and the mountaintop Theatre in the Sky shows classic Christmas movies.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Looking for affordable family fun? The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is free of charge. It's the showpiece of the 250ha/617ac Lynn Canyon Park, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012. The narrow, bouncy suspension bridge stretches 50m/164ft above a canyon with lush second-growth forest, deep pools and rushing waterfalls.

Park visitors can enjoy all levels of hiking, or head for picnic grounds, a swimming hole, or the Twin Falls vista. The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre enables kids to learn about slugs, bats and fungus, and the Lynn Canyon Cafe at the park entrance dishes up salads, sandwiches and stews.

Maplewood Farm

Maplewood Farm is a 2.5ha/6ac park-farm that is home to more than 200 animals and birds. The farm offers the chance to feed and pet goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and Shetland ponies in a pastoral, rural setting. "Rabbitat" is where the bunnies reside; "Goathill" is where the goat kids and their moms play; and the "Duck Yard" is where the ducks and geese hang out. A milking demonstration is held daily, featuring Daisy the Jersey cow, and pony rides are available seasonally. The farm is open year-round.

Drop by the Visitor Centre for more ideas on attractions in North Vancouver.